The district congratulates Herricks High School senior Ishraq Farhan on being named a semifinalist for the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, advancing to the next stage of consideration for one of the nation’s most prestigious student scholarships. Semifinalists are recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and meaningful service to their school and community.

This year, 1,238 high school seniors were selected from a pool of more than 107,000 applications submitted nationwide.

Ishraq has already begun phase two of the selection process, which requires completion of an essay, a letter of recommendation and submission of an academic transcript. An independent selection committee will review all semifinalist applications and identify 250 regional finalists in early January, who will then take part in virtual interviews.

From this group, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars will be named in late February. Each Scholar will receive a $20,000 college scholarship and will be invited to attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 23-26, 2026. During the event, Scholars will be honored at the 38th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute, facilitated by program alumni.

“Ishraq is an outstanding scholar whose intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning set him apart,” said school counselor Ms. Gigante. “His commitment to excellence in the classroom and beyond makes this recognition as a semifinalist truly well-deserved.”